Patriot Releases SandForce-Based Pyro-Series Solid-State Drives.

Patriot Memory, a leading supplier of DRAM modules, this week introduced its solid-state drives (SSDs) powered by SandForce SF-2281 controller that ensures rather extreme sequential read and write speeds. Unlike some other makers, Patriot decided to release not only rather expensive 120GB and 240GB drives, but also rather affordable 60GB model.

Patriot Pyro-series solid-state drives are based on SandForce SF-2281 controller as well as multi-level cell NAND flash memory (presumably made using 20nm-class manufacturing technology). Thanks to the latest-generation SSD controller, Patriot Pyro drives feature high reliability (advanced ECC engine corrects up to 55 bits per 512-byte sector to assure high data integrity along with various proprietary technologies from SandForce) amid high performance. The drives use Serial ATA-600 interface.

The 120GB and 240GB models offer maximum sequential read speed of 550MB/s and up to 515MB/s sequential write speed as well as up to 85 000 IOPS (input/output operations per second). The 60GB model is not that fast with 520MB/s|490MB/s maximum sequential read|write speeds and up to 80 000 IOPS.

"The Patriot Memory Pyro will continue to aggressively expand on what consumers can expect out of performance class solid state drives. With near enterprise level performance by utilizing the new SandForce SF-2281, coupled with Patriot Memory's reputation; Pyro will deliver unmatched price per performance," said William Lai, a product managet at Patriot Memory.

The Pyro series will feature a standard 2.5" form factor for compatibility with notebooks and select desktops and will ship with the latest 3.1.9 firmware. Unfortunately, Patriot does not seem to provide necessary frames to install 2.5" drives into 3.5" bays.